MANHATTAN (CN) - A longtime IRS officer is accused of stealing more than $160,000 in unclaimed tax refunds. Federal prosecutors say Fern Stephens, an IRS employee since 1984, used government computers to send refunds, often due to small businesses, to "eight family members and associates."
Stephens ran her game for nearly 8 years, according to the 3-count indictment. She is charged with mail fraud, theft of public money and computer fraud. If convicted of all three, she could face up to 35 years in prison.
Read the Top 8
Sign up for the Top 8, a roundup of the day's top stories delivered directly to your inbox Monday through Friday.
Additional Reads
-
Justice Department Charges North Korean Over Sony Hack September 6, 2018 -
-
Feds' Data Retention Found 'Unreasonable' June 20, 2014
-
Hand Over the Seven Degas, Collector Says January 16, 2014